Presented in 4K! Located 60 miles East of Los Angeles, the world famous Cajon Pass is known for it steep, intense, and scenic railroad action. Nestled between Victorville and San Bernardino in the San Bernardino Mountain Range, both Union Pacific and BNSF trains traverse the 2.2% grades of the pass. BNSF's Cajon Subdivision offers 3 mainline tracks that both BNSF and Union Pacific trains use, while the Union Pacific also hosts its Palmdale Cutoff Mojave Subdivision line, exclusively for their trains. Over the past few months, I've collected some footage from around the Cajon Pass. Been lucky to get awesome action, and awesome power as well!
Highlighting the video, in early January 2018 Union Pacific sent a very special treat in the early morning hours. UP 6706 was on point of an empty grain train traveling from Texas to Idaho, with a stopover in Arizona to unload the product. Formerly CNW 8804, the AC44CW is one of the very last remaining engines with the original CNW paint scheme, untouched by the Union Pacific! Along with a friend, we chased this train up the Cajon Pass starting in the Rialto area of the Palmdale Subdivision. After getting on the BNSF at Keenbrooke, the empty grain train headed up the pass and then towards Yermo.
Also included is various BNSF and Union Pacific action along the 3 mainlines of the Cajon Subdivision. Sullivan's Curve located near the middle of the pass is one famous area featured, which offers stunning views as the tracks curve around the rocks and hills of the pass. Got lucky with an awesome train race between the BARWAT and Kaiser Hauler, as well as the Union Pacific North Platte manifest with an awesome consist!
Overall, I only scratched the surface of the amazing Cajon Pass in this video. There's just so many unique and scenic places, the possibilities are endless!
Thanks for watching!
Video and Content © 2018 MichaelLovesTrains